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Francois Pienaar

2 January 1967 – present

Francois Pienaar is a South African former rugby union flanker who captained the Springboks in every one of his 29 Test appearances. He led South Africa to victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup on home soil, receiving the trophy from President Nelson Mandela. He later played and coached in England before returning to South African rugby administration and business.

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Life events

Born in Vereeniging, South Africa
2 January 1967
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Studied law at Rand Afrikaans University
c. 1987

Took a law degree in Johannesburg while playing provincial rugby.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Education ✓
Began playing for Transvaal
c. 1989

Joined the Transvaal provincial side, with which he won the Currie Cup.

Career ?
Made his Test debut as South Africa captain against France
26 June 1993

Named captain on his first appearance for the Springboks after the end of the sporting boycott.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Captained South Africa to victory in the Rugby World Cup final
24 June 1995

South Africa beat New Zealand 15-12 at Ellis Park and Nelson Mandela presented the trophy.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Played his last Test for South Africa
1996

Ended his international career with 29 caps, all of them as captain.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Moved to England to join Saracens
1997 – 2000

Signed for the English club, where he served as player and later player-coach.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Relocation ✓
Returned to South Africa as chief executive of the Golden Lions
2002

Took charge of the Johannesburg-based provincial rugby union.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Portrayed in the film Invictus
2009

Clint Eastwood's film about the 1995 World Cup, in which Matt Damon played Pienaar.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Other ✓